Being willing to go where a song takes you is the challenge in the heart of every music lover. Hopefully one of these songs released in 2015 will take you some place you want to be, or somewhere you’ve never been before. These songs were selected on their own merit, not from the strength of the artist or album from where they came. As the most basic expression of music, songs are arguably the most important thing to recognize in music.

PLEASE NOTE: A “Song of the Year” candidate is not always that catchy tune you can’t take off of repeat. It is a songs that can change your life, or change the world. No order to the list below was intended or should be implied. Please feel free to leave your opinions and suggestions about what the best song of 2015 is down below. Reader feedback will factor into the final selection, but this is not a simple vote tally, so tell us why you were moved by a certain song.

J.B. Beverley – “Phone Calls From My Uncle”

Somewhere, the promise of a new era in human civilization got lost. The idea of solving problems on foreign soil before they became problems at home backfired, or at least was fumbled. Yet appeasement, and limited involvement hasn’t seen the draw down of death and terror either. Meanwhile there are men and women from the United States and other nations who may have strong opinions on matters of world peace and stability one way or the other, but no matter what those opinions are, if they are called to go, they go. And they leave their homes and families behind so others may enjoy their own in safety.

And that’s what Beverley does in “Phone Calls From My Uncle” a song he wrote specifically for Veterans Day. It’s a simple recording, just J.B. and his guitar, and Big Geo Ballentine accompanying on slide, but it really captures the incredible burdens enlisted men and women face throughout their lives, and the tolls those burdens take. The song is sparse, but Beverley fills it out by finding the heartbeat of the song, and spacing everything perfectly until you’re hanging on every word, and really feel the gravity of what is said especially when it reaches its conclusion. (read full review)

Cody Jinks – “David”

Some of the greatest songs are the ones that remind us of the most memorable times in our lives, good and bad. They encapsulate a memory, and stimulate the very shivers that we experienced when the original moment happened. “David” explores a dark moment in reflection, and though it tells a story that is very specific and personal to the narrator, it stirs up our own recollections of tragedy and loss in a way that can’t helped but be felt very personally.

“David” reminds one of Johnny Cash’s “Highway Patrolman” written by Bruce Springsteen, but that is not necessarily a bad thing.

Brennen Leigh and Sunny Sweeney – “But You Like Country Music”

You can’t get away from the political divisiveness these days, and the issue only promises to get worse as the United States Presidential election proper looms large in the not so distant future.

But that’s what’s so great about music. It’s a world away from the rancor of political discord (Steve Earle and Toby Keith notwithstanding). It’s something that can help you take the edge off of whatever has your head tied up in knots, and bring people of differing viewpoints and backgrounds together. Or as Brennen Leigh and Sunny Sweeney say, “A love of country music conquers all.” (read full review)

Most importantly, the song doesn’t come across spiteful, but a fun rumpus that only independent country artists with strong support of their fans in Texas and beyond can make with a smile on their face. They get their point across and have a good time doing it. (read full review)

Ray Wylie Hubbard – “Stone Blind Horses”

There comes a time in every songwriter’s career where the fire begins to subside from the belly, and they fail to find the same potency of words that marked their once high-flying careers. It’s an inevitable reality of life for all of us that the skills and talents that once used to be so readily available at out fingertips will begin to fade away. That day looms large in the future for every soul, but for one songwriter, his ability to stave of complacency and a cessation of his skills has been remarkable. Maybe because his career was never marked by the sweet taste of mainstream success. Maybe it’s the mark of good genes. But Ray Wylie Hubbard keeps delivering songs most 20-somethings wish they could compose, and along with the impact of the songs themselves, the effortlessness of Hubbard’s delivery seems almost ethereal. (read full review)

James McMurtry – “Carlisle’s Haul”

“Geography, and the artifacts that clutter up the lives of low living characters are so cunning in how they’re conveyed by McMurtry. The breadth of knowledge McMurtry brings to his subjects never fails to impress, especially in a song like ‘Carlisle’s Haul’ about fishing commercially out-of-season to help solve a neighbor’s financial woes, showing James’s propensity to use character to illustrate both sides of a political issue, and speaking to the root causes which are more common to all than they may appear on the surface.”

Dawes – “All Your Favorite Bands”

This indie rock band from L.A. is not who many would consider proprietors of music that would fall under the country music umbrella, but as friends and confidants of many of the artists from the independent country and Americana world, they’re honorary country music close cousins. No matter your musical stripes, all audiofiles can unite behind the idea of wanting your favorite bands and artists to continue to make the music that has grown to become so meaningful in your life. What takes the title track from Dawes 2015 record to the next level is how they integrate every music fan’s wish into a gesture to another.

Justin Townes Earle “Day & Night”

“Then Justin Townes Earle hits you with ‘Day and Night,’ maybe his magnum songwriting opus, or at least it should be considered in that company from his body of work. The less Justin Townes Earle does in a song, the better the music gets. Sure you have to have some songs help cleanse the palette with a full band experience, and set the contrast for the quieter moments. But alone or with a lone accompaniment is where he positively shines.”

John Moreland – “American Flags in Black and White”

“For those tragic songphiles who were done with popular music by late adolescence, started rummaging through their parents’ record collections and taking suggestions from older siblings and cousins about what was cool, and seem to be engaged in a lifelong pursuit of the essence of the listening experience this is the manna, this is the potent stuff that still makes you feel like a listening virgin when you’ve built up such an insatiable tolerance and addiction over the years so that only the purest stuff will puncture you with its raw emotion.”

Many songs could have been picked from the choir that is Moreland’s excellent songwriting effort High on Tulsa Heat, but the imagery of “American Flags in Black & White” is what sets this entry apart.

Turnpike Troubadours – “Bird Hunters”

Evan Felker of the Turnpike Troubadours may not be the greatest songwriter of our time, but he is the greatest songwriter of our time at writing a story built around a breakup. The entire Turnpike Troubadours franchise has grown out of such songs. “7 & 7” from Diamonds and Gasoline, “Good Lord Lorrie” and “Gone Gone Gone” from Goodbye Normal Street, and now “The Bird Hunters” from their self-titled release all fit this model. Such boldness to put a 5-minute waltz-timed song as the very first track, but it’s the song that sucks you in the most.

115 Comments

That was my thought too! I can see that, though. Isbell’s album, one of my favorites from this year, was an incredible total package. I can’t pinpoint one song on it though that sticks way out above the rest (meant the best way possible). All great songs and lyrics, so how can you choose?

Agreed. When I was thinking of which song I would include, I thought, “Speed Trap Town”, but then “Something More Than Free”, but then “Flagship”, but then “If It Takes a Lifetime”. And I realize anyone else’s list of best songs off that album may not even include those songs. I think like you said, it was a very good album, and picking a standout song is tough, which makes it difficult to argue for any of them as a Song of the Year.

I could have included every song on Isbell’s “Something More Than Free,” which would have been impractical, or I could have tried to select one, which would have been like trying to select your favorite child. Jason Isbell and “Something More Than Free” already has received end-of-year love, and I’m sure will receive some more before we’re all through. Let’s give some folks who don’t grace the top of every single “Best Of” list some love. That was my thought here. If I hadn’t stopped at 10, I’m sure an Isbell song would have made it.

Makes sense. TT, McMurtry and Bowen/Rogers don’t have quite the same monopresence in the indie country scene that Jason does, so I get why you chose to double up with their standouts rather than telling us what we already know.

Love your inclusion of David on this list. That song is simply bone chilling at times, and so successful in creating its mood and imagery. To that end I would also include “Dirt” off the same album on my short list, for many of the same reasons. That song amazes me in how vividly and personally it recreates the dust bowl days.

My personal “Song of the Year” might be Aaron Watson’s “The Underdog”, but I can see that sentiment not being universally shared.

I need to do my part and listen to more of these songs. I guess I’m surprised to not see a single Jason Isbell tune on this list.

‘She Don’t Love You’ was my favourite country song of the year last year.. this year is trickier, as we have ‘Long Island Sound’ by James McMurtry, ‘Children Of Children’ by Jason Isbell, and ‘El Dorado’ – and I have no idea which is ultimately going to stick the most. Hell, I’m still thinking about it.

I was surprised you went with “Standards” over “El Dorado” from that album. I can go with it though, I guess it has more of an impact. Great list. I love “David”, “Carlisle’s Haul”, as well. Like I said on the Albums list, I think my pick is “The Bird Hunters”. That’s just me.

It is really hard to choose between those two, and I wouldn’t quibble with anyone who would pick “El Dorado” over “Standards.” “El Dorado” is the more impactful tune on the heart, but “Standards” is just so damn clever. It might be the best protest song ever written. If I had strung the candidates out to 12 or 13 instead of cutting it off at 10, “El Dorado” would have been there.

Standards is a great protest song. I love that it came from two guys that had the big label contracts, and came out on the other end wanting to make better music. I hope that this is a taste of what RRB’s album Neon will sound like.

I would’ve put Something More Than Free or Speed Trap Town on there from Isbell, and You Don’t Care Enough For Me To Cry from John Moreland on there. From these options though I’d have to go with Stone Blind Horses.

So cool that Dawes is on this list. One of my favorite bands. Basically, every song on that album is song of the year quality. Also, not often that Eric church is listed in a song of the year category on SCM, even if it’s only an honorary mention.

Hold My Beer vol 1 is still probably the best album I bought all year alongside the other ones I mentioned in another blog post.

I’m a little guilty though because Wade and Randy didn’t record the song ‘Standards’ to be a hate song against pop country but I’ve been using it as part of my rant against Garth picking FGL and Aldean for FILP. But I wanted to use the song as a symbol of my views in music and how I’m not agreeing with Garth on some of his, so that’s why I consider ‘Standards’ as my standout song of the year.

’24 Frames’ is the runner-up because of how the song is reminiscent of a time in the 90’s where some of the music in all genre’s were actually tolerable.

Both Stapleton and Isbell have excellent songs and both were recognized for Album of the Year, and both have to be considered strong contenders for Artist of the Year. But we all know about them. Let’s let some other folks step out of the shadows of these bigger names and get some love for their contributions as well.

All that said, if I thought there was one song from either Isbell or Stapleton that clearly rose above the ones listed here, I would have included it. That’s not a knock on them. It speaks to the strength of the field.

I really thought Stapelton’s The Devil Made Music was one of the best of the year. Very powerful song and one that I seldom hear anyone mention. I guess it’s a pretty deep cut, but what a great tale of how following his love of making music impacts his life and the lives of those around him.

Aw, man… Wade and Randy’s “Standards” is a fun one, and the Dawes track is a beauty, but I gotta give it to Brennan and Sunny — the ladies show how we can bridge cultural/political divides with good taste and humor. 😀

Just Some Things from Jamie Lin Wilson& Wade Bowen, a few Aaron Watson songs, Courtney Patton has a couple on her album too.
Those are a few I thought of at the top of my head that could easily be song of years.
There are many many candidates , which is good.

Love the inclusion of Whiskey on My Breath. My nominee would have to be Josh Turner’s Lay Low, especially as the right song for me and it came at the right time for me to hear it. It’s a shame I couldn’t hear it on radio more, but since when did they put anything good on radio.

If you’re not on country radio, you don’t exist. Now, let me serve you some REAL kuntry:

2015 Nominees for Screwing Country Music’s song of the year

Jason Aldean “Gonna Know We Were Here”- What a great story! This couple wants to leave their mark on the world. This is one of those empowering rockers, perfect for evolving country while keeping the spirit of the good storytellers of old.

Luke Bryan “Strip it Down”- Speaking of awesome stories… wow, just wow. Have you ever heard a more beautiful or romantic song?

Thomas Rhett “Die a Happy Man”- This is a perfect song if there ever was one. This is s straight up classic country song, complete with steel guitar and everything. There’s no way the old farts can hate this! It even mentions Marvin Gaye to include other genre fans.

Sam Hunt “Breakup in a Small Town”- PERFECT! So much going on here! There’s something for everyone to love!

Kelsea Ballerini “Dibs”- female bro-country. How’s that for female equality? Females can make great country hits too. It’s also got the coolest hook: “take you off the market… cause you know I gotta mark it”

Cole Swindell “Let Me See Ya Girl”- You know everything Cole does is top quality.

Chase Rice “Gonna Wanna Tonight”- Same with Cole.

Florida Georgia Line “Anything Goes”- Yes ladies and gentlemen, these boys are alive and well. Anything goes in evolution;)

When “country” singers sing about artists that aren’t country rather than country legends, that makes it sound like they’re saying country is inferior to other genres. That’s why I feel like country songs should only reference country singers unless it is meant to be ironic. Referencing other genres within songs just blurs the genres together. There need to be clear distinctions, so the music and references need to be within country. Let’s let country songs celebrate country music, not rock music. It’s also got those horrible fake drum loops, which is about as non-country as it gets. Country music by definition is supposed to be real music made by real instruments. This EDM craze violates everything country music stands for, and most of these buffoons don’t even realize it or care.

I disagree, sort of. As long as a reference if meaningful to the artist and/or relevant to the story, I don’t care too much who it is. The problem is, most references are not in this nature, which I’m guess are the ones you have the biggest problems with.

As for all the EDM stuff, fuck that. Listen to one Turnpike Troubadour song and tell me country can’t evolve without adding drum loops and other crap.

I get what you mean about to much love for isbell. But still.. Anyway standards is my current favorite on your list followed by “Day and Night”, then David I am really starting to like Cody jinks but I like him better solo acoustic than with the band. I know just listened j.b. song really good.

This list most likely comes from a place of over trying to support the “underdogs”, or just not having access to enough material that’s “new” in order to make this list.. And that is a very fair argument…

I went with Cody Jinks as my favorite album, I’ll stick with Cody on favorite song.

“David” Is a special song to me because it is very similar to my own life. As a veteran, I remember coming home from 7 years in the Army to find my best friend was still stuck in the troubles of our youth. Like the song, I also entered law enforcement, and was saddened by my old friend. He fortunately hasn’t died like David from the song, but he has had a hard life, and brought much grief to his mother.

When you judge “Song of the Year”, do you take into account only the songwriting (i.e. the lyrics and the top-line melody), or do you include the instrumentation and the vocals as well? In the Grammys, for example, the instrumental arrangement is covered in “Record of the Year” and there are separate awards for vocals.

It’s all considered. Instrumentation and singing can definitely go into the formula. But in the end, the lyric is going to be the biggest factor in deciding if something is “Song of the Year” material.

“Knives of New Orleans” is a fantastic song. But every time I hear it I find myself checking the back cover of Springsteen’s The River to see if it’s on there. All kidding aside, Mr. Misunderstood in general is really good stuff from an artist I didn’t expect it from.

Pretty much every ‘classic’ country song says something honest about someone you know – often yourself. So my nomination would be Turnpike Troubadours Bird Hunters. Bird Hunters is literature, it’s a Jim Harrison short story set to music, there’s layers of thoughtful metaphor and yet an immediately relatable, honest, every day kind of story. Set to a pretty and sing along-able tune. It’s a truly beautiful little song and a fine addition to the country songbook.

That’s how I felt about this song. The specifics are interchangeable, but damnit, if that isn’t everyone I’ve ever known. First time I heard it, everyone who I’d every grown up with, all the “old men” in my life, everyone is in that damn song. It’s fucking Hemingway with a fiddle.

not trying to throw darts, but….. “David” from Cody Jinks might be the third or fourth best song on that cd. Cast No Stones, Rock and Roll, Loud and Heavy…. Just my opinion, great great cd I have yet to tire of.

I really like Stone Blind Horses. Its a great song from an average album. Carlisle’s Haul is an interesting pick from Complicated Game. I like every song on the album. Its hard to pick the “best.” I would have gone with South Dakota or You Got To Me…

With such a crowded field this year, I felt like there wasn’t enough space for a cover song. If this was a Top 20 list, it probably would have made it. Whitey’s getting plenty of love for Album of the Year.

I feel like Turnpike Troubadours could have done any of the other songs on this list, but nobody else on this list could do “Bird Hunters”. The way that fiddle jumps out at you–mercy. And then you listen to the rest of the CD and then you come back to this track again and you just can’t hear it enough. Amazing how they crafted such a great arrangement out of a challenging story and subject. Catchy and deep all at the same time.

2nd pick would be McMurtry. But I think “Standards” sums it up best for Saving Country Music.

Hi Trigger!
Long time reader, love the website! My choice for “Song of the Year” is Josh Morningstar’s “Motel Madness.” It’s a really great song! I’ve been reading your site for a year or two now and I’ve gotta ask, why don’t you cover Josh’s music? In my opinion he’s great and one of the hardest working people out there. Is it because he has toured with Shooter? Not trying to start any problems, just curious because it seems to me like he’d be someone you would cover. He plays real country music and is amazing, again, my opinion. Thank you for what you do for country music! -Linda H.

Unfortunately there’s tons of artists and only one of me, so there’s lots of artists I would love to cover, but just haven’t had the time to get to yet. It’s never a slight meant to those artists. However I have mentioned Joshua on the site in the past, and covered him as part of certain events. If you want, you can explore his tag:

There are many artists that have toured with Shooter, worked with Shooter, and are friends with Shooter that I still cover all the time. Hellbound Glory, Whitey Morgan, Fifth on the Floor, Jayke Orvis, and on and on. Shooter doesn’t even factor in to my coverage of Shooter’s music, aside from me generally avoiding it because even if I say something nice, it will still stimulate death threats towards me. The whole Shooter vs. Trigger saga exists 99% in the minds of Facebook folks who will profess hating drama, but have their nose so deep into it, they stimulate it by dredging it up constantly. Shooter and I do our best to rise above it. It’s the folks that love the idea of a feud that keep the acrimony swirling.

Thanks for the suggestion of the Morningstar song. I did listen to his latest album, but I will revisit that song when I get a chance.

I think it’s a great song, but I already had 10 other songs. I usually only like to have six or so candidates. Similar to the albums, with a lack of clear front runners this year, it’s such a wide open field, it’s hard to nail down a select few.

I’m honored for the mention, and honored to read such kind words. My thanks to you all. Personally, my respects to all the artists who move people’s hearts and don’t subscribe to the trends and fads. We are all blessed to be connected by music. Cheers, y’all! -JB

No, sir: Thank you for not chasing the trends and the fads. Thank you for sharing your creativity with us even when more money could be made elsewhere, and thank you for writing things that need to be written.

Mr. Beverley, what an amazing song. I really like most of the songs on this list, but something just sets “Phone calls from My Uncle” apart. Same when I heard “Disappear on Down the Line”. This is country music – you feel it. When a song hits so deeply you get chills and your eyes well up…you can tell when a song is written from the heart! Its obvious it comes from a sincere place when you are giving proceeds to the veterans. From one native of Virginia to another, keep making kick ass music man.

There’s not a bad song on the list but I lean traditional. I can’t complain about the non-country sound of today’s music if I don’t pick a song that at least feints towards tradition. The Dawes song is actually my favorite but I can’t remotely consider it country.

“She Don’t Love You” gets my vote despite what Paslay seems to have become since. It’s got a soaring melody, a real country sound, and simple but effective lyrics. It’s everything Nashville could be if it wanted to.

So, I have to admit, I had never heard Ray Wylie Hubbard, just his name mentioned a couple times. Well, after everyone was talking about him when Mr Misunderstood came out, I looked him up and the first track I listened to was Stone Blind Horses, and I was SO IMPRESSED. I have even decided I can’t help but cut that damn Eric Church some slack, just because if it weren’t for that, I may not have heard that song.

This is so hard to choose from but if you want feedback I’d say that “David” is probably the most impactful song on this list. Parts of it reminds me of my life, even though this specific incident never happened to me. I also like it because I feel like there aren’t a lot of singers anymore that focus on dark concepts like this. That was something I liked about Johnny Cash. Some of his songs were extremely profound. I rarely hear this nowadays because country artists can’t get their music out there well unless they sing stupid list songs and partying songs, so it’s hard to unearth this type of music and although the whole list of songs is awesome, I think that one is the best cause sadness is always more moving than happiness and this song really takes the listen somewhere. Btw I’ve been reading this blog forever and this is the first time I’ve ever commented but I want to thank you because someone needs to say this stuff and nobody words it as well as you. I love the rants and song reviews you do, they’re great!

I don’t like that “Standards” and “You Like Country Music” are on here. They’re gimmick songs. “Standards” is good but has been done SO many times. “You Like Country Music” is and makes a decent point, but is way to direct in its lyrics. And is it really a “song that can change your life, or change the world”?.

I think “She Don’t Love You” is the best choice based off your criteria. That song was the only one that moved me in the same way Matt Woods’ “Deadman Blues” did.

“Bird Hunters” is a close second, the way it tells the story through its lyrics AND instrumentation is unparalleled.

I think the Troubadours have this one. El Dorado would be my second choice out of the stuff mentioned above. S Lazy H by Corb Lund is a song that ought to be mentioned somewhere on this page. Same for Nights Pay in my Boot by Max Stalling and All I See is You or Crocket’s Prayer by Shane Smith and the Saints.

“Face of the Demon” by MoonBOW. Really cool instrumentation and vibe. Of the songs on your list I would say “Phone Calls From My Uncle”. Beverly should have gotten the nod for “Disappear On Down The Line” – that song is as classic as they come. Really think folks should check out this MoonBOW release. It finally found its way to Amazon, and it is outstanding.

I’m really sad to see that “They Don’t Make ’em Like They Used to” didn’t get a mention, or “Growing Up Around Here.” I haven’t heard the heartland summed up so well in song in a long, long time. They might be simple. They might be straightforward. They’re two the best songs released in 2015, nonetheless. I thought “Growing Up Around Here” was this generation’s “Down Home,” and a better song, to boot.

Props for mentioning “Knives of New Orleans.” If Eric Church even comes close to topping that song at some point, I will be surprised. Not because he isn’t capable, but because such a unique idea coming together so perfectly as that song is a very rare thing.

My nod goes to “Bird Hunters.” Beautiful, poetic, specific yet relatable, and timeless. And that’s just the lyrics. Everything about this song works so perfectly.

The two songs I’ve probably listened to the most this year are “El Dorado” and “Me and the Whiskey,” though I agree neither are really a fit for song of the year.

Finally, the song this year I’ve found to be the most meaningful to me is “American You” by Yelawolf. It’s not a new idea, not exceptionally well done, or anything really special, but it hits home. It’s not a universally relatable song by any means, but it should speak volumes to anyone who knows what it’s like to struggle while those around you grew succeed.

As much as I like both songs, I agree with them not being on this list. Likewise, I find “El Dorado” far more enjoyable than “Standards,” but the latter just makes far more sense for a SotY candidate due to subject matter and the purpose of this site.

It’s definately NO QUESTIONING of Cody Jink’s song David! A SONG THAT CAN HIT HOME & spring tears from your eyes to have the realization that life is a bitch in so many ways but as Cody also says in another one of his songs called Folks…” It’s okay to have the blues cause it just means that you still feel” & that’s a good thing! Although I’ve never experienced a tragedy as such, in this song David, it’s just a reminder of how things in the process of many years in our life can change & go so wrong, we have to accept & move on. We all have a story to tell & I must say that Cody puts the soulful feel into this song that can just make you shudder from the story told. Cody Jinks is an AWESOME artist & THANK GOD there are still a few handful out there that carry on the outlaw country sound that my soul so longs for! THANK YOU CODY JINKS FOR CHOOSING TO PUT YOURSELF WHERE YOU BELONG IN THE MUSIC WORLD! GOD BLESS YOU!

Had the chance to meet CJ after a show and ask him about David, just thought there was to many details in the song not to be true…. well, David is alive and well. Its a story song with parts being true, Davis is a real person but he lives amongst us today.

This is a good list, hard to not put McMurtry in that same list of Isbell’s album as every song is great with a couple that could make this list..although I think you got it right with Carlisle’s Haul I also think Long Island Sound is right there too. Glad to see David make the list too!

I’m giving this one to James McMurtry, though you really can’t go wrong with any of these whatsoever! =)

I will say I’m yet again surprised to see Gretchen Peters absent of these year-end lists. She can easily stand toe to toe with any of the other deserved nominees for her outstanding “Blackbirds” and it’s contents.

It was interesting to see a lack of mainstream single representation here (beyond the honorable mentions). “Whiskey On My Breath” would be my top pick for mainstream considerations, with “Burning House” second.

Love these lists. I’ve bought quite a bit of music because of this website in the past year. As far as songs go, I would say it’s pretty tough to beat John Moreland’s new album. Hang Me in the Tulsa County Stars might have been my favorite off of that one. I also like to see Sunny Sweeney make this list. She is one artist that I think goes overlooked a lot that I really like, especially her first album Heartbreakers Hall of Fame, which is for some reason only about 3 bucks on Amazon and has been for at least a year. For those of you that want to start your Amazon shopping on the top of this page, you won’t regret that one. Like Trigger has said, nothing against Stapleton or Isbell, but I do like to see others get some well-deserved attention too. A little off topic, but what would any of you consider to be Ray Wylie Hubbard’s best album of all-time? He’s one guy I have never really listened to much, but I would like to get a good starting point.

I thought “A. Enlightenment B. Endarkenment (Hint: There is no C)” and “The Grifter”™s Hymnal” were both super strong. “Delirium Tremolos” is also kind of a cult classic. As far as older stuff, you really got to start with the Cowboy Twinkies album though Hubbard sort of laments it.

It’s been such a great year for music and you put together an excellent list. Hats off for not taking the obvious route and I’m glad you mentioned “Knives of New Orleans”. “What Did You Do Today” from the Boxmasters was a big favorite of mine for the year as well.

I already had a favorite on the list from the start but I wanted to make sure I really listened to every song and gave it a chance to sink in. There are some great ones this year, but my vote hands down goes to JB Beverley. I might be a little biased being a military man myself, but damn he just nailed it. Out of all the people who have written songs for or about the military over the years I don’t think I’ve ever heard one that hit so close to home for me. He just really, truly got it right and the result is a song that has earned a place on a very short list of songs that I can only listen to alone.

Out in the Country Jeff Crosby & The Refugees (reminds me of a young Gregg Allman)
Day & Night JT Earle
Harder to Lie David Ramirez
Stone Blind Horses RW Hubbard
Children of Children Isbell
Ashes Lindi Ortega